Blues Trade Again

This time it wasn't a superstar, but it was the Reggie Sanders of the Blues, defenseman Dennis Wideman was dealt to the Boston Bruins for young scoring talent Brad Boyes. The 24 year old Boyes has netted 13 goals and 21 assists for Boston this year, as well as 25 penalty minutes, and 8 power play points. He carries a -7 rating.

The reference to Reginald Sanders is due to the fact that it seems Wideman only scored for the Blues when it didn't matter, much like Reggie Sander's patented 7th inning solo home runs that would put the Cardinals up 7-2.

The time to move around a few of the Blues surplus of defensemen was coming soon, but most of us expected it would wait until the offseason. But hell, why not? With the dealing of Keith Tkachuk and Bill Guerin this past week, and the acquisition of Boyes, the Blues initiate the youth movement a little ahead of time. You'll be looking at a brand new Blues squad tonight against the 'Nucks.

The Blues also signed Jamal Mayers to a three year contract extension. Mayers, 32, has played in 60 games with the Blues this season finding the net seven times, and assisting nine other goals. He also has 68 penalty minutes, a team high.

Mayers has spent the previous 10 seasons with the Blues, the longest running tenure on the team. He has played in a total of 495 career games, registering 125 points (58 goals, 67 assists) and 644 penalty minutes. The Toronto, Ontario native was originally drafted by the Blues as their fourth round selection, 89th overall in the 1993 Entry Draft.

You have to like what the Blues have done in the past week. They resigned three key factors to the rebuilding movement (Manny Legace, Eric Brewer, and Jamal Mayers)and have established a copious amount of draft picks for the next two years. Now, here's to hoping the Blues front office can scout the right talent and make the right picks. If they do, then this past week will go a long way in helping to create an exciting future for St. Louis hockey.